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Manali,July 31
Heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of Manali on Thursday triggered a sharp rise in river and stream levels, damaging roads, inundating apple orchards, and prompting restoration work by the district administration and the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
The Beas River witnessed a significant rise in its water level following the downpour. The increased flow damaged sections of the Manali–Atal Tunnel road at several locations, while debris accumulated near the Snow Gallery, temporarily disrupting vehicular traffic. Officials deployed heavy machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic on the route.
In Burua Panchayat, a flash flood in a seasonal stream caused extensive damage to apple orchards. According to officials, the swollen stream changed its course and entered the orchards, carrying water, mud and debris. Several apple trees were washed away, while large parts of the orchards were buried under debris.
Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gunjit Singh Cheema said heavy rainfall in the upper areas on Thursday evening led to a sudden increase in the water levels of rivers and streams, resulting in debris being deposited on the Manali–Atal Tunnel road at multiple locations.
He said the administration and the BRO promptly cleared the debris using machinery, and the road has been fully reopened for traffic.
Cheema said no loss of human life had been reported in the incident. However, crops, particularly apple orchards, suffered significant damage due to the flash flood. He added that the district administration has begun assessing the extent of the losses to facilitate further action.
Rahul Chawla
